Christian Daily Devotionals

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon.. Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2009.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34:8

Faith in scripture is described as being known through all the senses:

• Faith is sight: “Look unto me, and be ye saved.” (Isaiah 45:22, KJV)

• Faith is hearing: “Hear me, that your soul may live.” (Isaiah 55:3)

• Faith is smelling: “All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia” (Psalm 45:8); “your name is like perfume poured out.” (Song of Solomon 1:3)

• Faith is spiritual touch. By this faith the woman came behind and touched the edge of Christ’s cloak (Luke 8:43-48) and likewise we handle the things of the good word of life.

• Faith is equally the spirit’s taste. “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103) “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man,” says Jesus, “and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” (John 6:53) This “taste” is faith in one of its highest qualities.

One of the first experiences of faith is hearing. We hear the voice of God, not with the outward ear alone, but with the inward ear. We hear it as God’s Word, and we believe it to be so; that is the “hearing” of faith.

Then our mind looks on the truth as it is presented to us. We understand it and perceive its meaning; that is the “seeing” of faith.

Next we discover its preciousness. We begin to admire it, and find how fragrant it is; that is faith in its “smell.”

Then we embrace the mercies which are prepared for us in Christ; that is faith in its “touch.”

Therefore what follows from all of these enjoyments? Peace, delight, communion … which are faith in its “taste.”

Any one of these paths to faith is saving. To hear Christ’s voice as the sure voice of God in the soul will save us. But true enjoyment is the aspect of faith where Christ, by holy taste, is received into us, and made, by inward and spiritual understanding of His sweetness and preciousness, to be the food of our souls. It is then we sit “under His shadow with great delight,” (Song of Solomon 2:3, KJV) and find His fruit sweet to our taste.

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3

Question: Which way of “perceiving faith” is most effective for you, and why?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/03/18/cs_taste-see/

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by Vonette Bright

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart”.
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

Shirley’s life was one hurt after the other.  Two divorces and the challenges of a blind son had left her aching to be happy.

One day as she read the Bible verse: “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” she decided to do exactly what it says.  Delight in the Lord!  She began praising God—no matter what happened.

The car wouldn’t start.  Praise God.  Her boss was unreasonable that day.  Praise to You, Lord.

It wasn’t long before the “desires” of her heart began to change.  Did she suddenly have a wonderful marriage?  A son easy to rear?  No.  She discovered the joy of God’s love and His “blessings” on her life—despite the circumstances.

Dear one, delight in the Lord.  He will give you the desires of your heart.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/03/18/vb_delight-yourself/

By Katherine Kehler

“Oh Lord, what a variety you have made! And in wisdom you have made them all! The earth is full of your riches.” Psalm 104:24

It was a lovely, sunny Sunday afternoon and walking along the trail at Aldergrove Lake Park was the perfect way to spend the afternoon.  As my husband and I walked along the path, I noticed the flowers—bleeding hearts, buttercups and wild strawberries were blooming.  The cedar and hemlock trees flaunted their beautiful, fresh, new green growth.  Even the Alder and Maple trees were now full of leaves,

The smell of the woods was so pleasant and brought back memories of the spring times when I was in elementary school.  It was a two mile walk each way to the school, so on the walk home my sister and I did quite bit of exploring -- what was on the “other side of fence”.  I remember the trilliums which bloomed around Easter time.  But mostly I recall the sweetness of the tiny wild strawberries in June. Funny how some those past memories come up in a person’s mind.  There is so much truth in the quote by Cesare Pavese,

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.”

I thank the Lord for memorable moments--for the little things in life He gives us to enjoy. It is out of His great store of love for us. How my heart soars with joy and delight when He opens my eyes to the variety of created things He gives to us to gladden our hearts

Thank you Lord, for delighting our souls through your creation.  We worship you – You are awesome! We love you.  Amen

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/03/17/kk_in-wisdom/

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by Max Lucado

“He lets me rest in green pastures.”  Psalm 23:2 (NLT)

For a field to bear fruit, it must occasionally lie fallow. And for you to be healthy, you must rest. Slow down, and God will heal you. He will bring rest to your mind, to your body, and most of all to your soul. He will lead you to green pastures.

Green pastures were not the natural terrain of Judea. The hills around Bethlehem where David kept his flock were not lush and green. Even today they are white and parched. Any green pasture in Judea is the work of some shepherd. He had cleared the rough, rocky land. Stumps have been torn out, and brush has been burned …

With his own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul. He tore out the thorny underbrush of condemnation. He pried loose the huge boulders of sin. In their place he planted seeds of grace and dug ponds of mercy.

And he invites us to rest there.

Question: Do you need to slow down, and rest for awhile in God’s green pastures?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/03/17/ml_for-the-soul/

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Max Lucado
Copyright [W Publishing 1998, 2001]
Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://www.maxlucado.com/info/view/about_max_lucado/